Payson Man Dies In Crash

A 21-year-old Payson man died Sunday night after crashing his vehicle into a tree.

Police said Matthew Simper had reportedly been drinking at a lake earlier Sunday when he returned to Payson.

As he drove westbound on West Forest Drive about 6 p.m., he reportedly lost control of a Chevrolet pickup, drove into a drainage ditch and hit a culvert. The truck went airborne and struck an oak tree near the intersection of North Colcord Road and Forest Drive, said Police Chief Don Engler.

The impact ejected Simper from the car, as he wasn’t wearing a seat belt.

No other vehicles were involved.

After interviewing several people, police determined Simper had been drinking, Engler said.

The Payson Police Department would like to remind all drivers that incidents like this one could be prevented. Always wear your seat belt and use a designated driver if you are drinking, Engler said.